Hi. So, I tried this trail for the first time.. starting from the elementary school.. I loved it!! It was perfect.. the scenery is amazing.. and to get to see some history along the way, it was a great feeling.. There are some hills in the beginning, very doable.. and some turns.. and 2 bridges, that are lovely.. I will say, I did not notice any mile markers, so it was confusing to tell when I approached Greensprings, as I was hoping it would be obvious, so I could turn around and head back.. but I couldn’t tell.. so I just turned around when the watch said 2.4 miles..

I biked the trail round trip end to end from southern trailhead (milepost 0.0) to Phase II northern terminus at Capeville Road (milepost 4.9) on a humid Saturday morning in June 2020. Although currently just shy of 5 miles one way - there is HUGE potential for Virginia's Eastern Shore if Phase III and Phase IV are built connecting to Cape Charles waterfront. Even more ambitious, VDOT is studying an Eastern Shore Rail to Trail project, extending an additional 49 miles from Cape Charles to Hallwood, Virginia.

As of June 2020, the 4.9 mile long trail provides a smooth and flat trip along a 10 foot wide asphalt surface. Wildflowers, shrubs, trees, agricultural fields and a few remnant Cape Charles Railroad industrial buildings line the route. the southern 2.5 miles (Phase I, opened in 2011) provides benches, repair stations, interpretive signs, parking and restrooms. The northern half (Phase II) has fewer amenities, but continues the smooth surface.

Being a regular driver along the adjacent US 13 (four lane 55 mph highway) I was surprised to find that the trail is about 50% in shade, with trees along both sides of the route and a thin canopy overhead. The other 1/2 of the trail is more open to the east, yet trees and shrubs are nearly continuous on the western side of the trail. This thin stand of pine and hardwood trees provides a visual buffer from the highway, but the noise of passing 18-wheel trucks is always present. If you're seeking an escape deep into natural solitude, this may not be the trail for you. However, the condition of the trail is superb. Additionally, crossing US13 near the southern terminus (be careful!) provides connections to Kiptopeke State Park and more (unpaved) trails. Overall, I remain hopeful that with expansion northward, the trail reaches greater potential. Currently, it still provides a great, albeit short experience. Come on, Eastern Shore, "build it, and they will come"!

Read all the other reviews but know that the signage has been greatly improved. You can park at either end, Hermitage to the north or Harbor Park to the south. Parts of the trail are on the street but I never felt unsafe. Different routes are available so be sure to check the map. Plenty of places to stop and eat or drink along the way, Smartmouth, Orapax, Waterside and lots of choices across the street from ODU. Views of downtown, waterfront, parks, college campus. So diverse! How many mermaids can you find along the way?

Nice 5 mile ride under the trees. Take the turn for the George Washington site about 1/2 way around the loop. From there you can hop on a paved road with many historical markers. If you take the fork that leads to Yorktown you can continue less than 2 more miles to the Yorktown National Cemetery and all the way to Historical Yorktown and the beachfront. Pack a lunch and eat at one of the picnic benches in the grassy area by the water. Public bathrooms available. Total ride was 17 miles round trip with the Yorktown cruise through the historical homes.

If you start your ride at "Chessie" (address is 1200 Dismal Swamp Canal) and continue to the end it's 8.3 miles each way for a total of 16.6 miles. Make sure to apply bug spray. Family and cyclist friendly!

Perhaps I do not understand what is meant by a "trail," but I don't consider a sidewalk next to a busy highway a trail. Today I triked for several miles where this "trail" is supposed to be. I was riding on the sidewalk. There is no independent trail other than the sidewalk. What is mapped for this trail runs through the yards of homes fronting the road.

My husband and I enjoyed the trail! We parked at the mall. There was a pathway with a few some elevations along the way.

Great trail to bike, run or even warm with the stroller.

Literally a sidewalk next to a busy road. thought I'd take the kids with me, but I was too on edge with all of the traffic.